Governor Holcomb is extending Indiana’s mask mandate, but says he won’t reimpose restrictions on restaurants and bars.

Our news-gathering partners at Network Indiana are reporting that Holcomb says the problem isn’t the lifting of capacity limits on restaurants and bars, but that too many people are holding big gatherings without masks or social distancing. Holcomb says many new infections have been traced back to weddings or family gatherings where people failed or refused to wear masks.

The governor says he understands “mask fatigue” is setting in, but says capacity limits aren’t the issue. He notes the Indianapolis Colts and Indy Eleven successfully admitted thousands of fans to Lucas Oil Stadium by enforcing mask and distancing precautions.

There are more Hoosiers in the hospital with coronavirus than at any time since mid-May, and Indiana’s five highest one-day totals for new cases have all come in the last week. The state has diagnosed more than 11,000 new cases in that span. About 400 Hoosiers are in intensive care with coronavirus, the most since May.

Holcomb says the virus’s resurgence across the Midwest is a reminder that people need to do what they can to reduce the odds of the virus’s spread, with masks being one of the main steps within people’s control. He says not masking up represents a disregard for fellow Hoosiers.

The mask mandate has been extended to Nov. 14

Holcomb says he’ll reevaluate whether to reimpose restrictions in another week.

The years Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers has spent in office will still not vest him with the pension benefits of a county deputy.

The Bartholomew County Council heard a proposal from the sheriff’s department merit board again this week to change the current rules to allow merit deputies to qualify for pension benefits when they retire, if they have served 8 years in the department, instead of the current 8 years and 1 month requirement.

Jeff Beck, attorney for the sheriff’s department, said that the extra 1 month requirement is a leftover from the old boys network days, when the sheriff’s department did not want an outsider to run for the office. Sheriffs have a two-term limit in Indiana, meaning a sheriff who has not previously served in the department will never earn pension benefits from the office.

Other county office holders who are term limited can begin accruing pension benefit at the flat eight years, but they do use a different pension system than deputies.

Susan Thayer-Fye, head of the merit board, pointed out that based on the actuarial estimates used to calculate the county’s pension contributions, the county has been pre-paying the sheriff’s benefits, even though he can not access them.

The issue has been before the council several times and the County Council has been reluctant to change the pension agreement to benefit Myers. This week the proposal went down without even getting a motion for approval.

The council did approve increases to the death benefits paid to a deputy’s spouse and children should the deputy die on duty. The current pay out is $200 per month for a spouse, and $30 per month per each minor child. which are the state’s statutory minimums. The merit board increased the spousal pay to $1,000 per month and to $200 per minor child. The change will be retroactive to the start of the year.

A search for a Bartholomew County man who had possibly been shot ended at Columbus Regional Hospital Wednesday morning.

The Sheriff’s Department released public alerts through the media and the Everbridge Alert System Wednesday morning that they were searching for 50-year-old Mark A. Ward, who had contacted friends and told them that he had been shot in a Shelby County incident Tuesday evening. Ward reportedly refused to give his location to friends and said he did not want to be treated for the wound, according to deputies.

He was believed to be driving a car that had the rear window shot out.

Bartholomew County deputies, Columbus Police and Indiana State Police began searching the area around Clifty Park for Ward on Tuesday evening and resumed the search Wednesday morning. That led Bartholomew Consolidated Schools to lock down Columbus East High School.

Later in the morning, authorities announced that Ward had been found after being taken to the hospital for treatment. An investigation by Shelby County authorities is ongoing.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a possible victim of a shooting that detectives believe occurred in Shelby County yesterday, October 13.

Mark A. Ward, 50, of Bartholomew County, was last seen in the area of the 13000 block of County Road North 500E. He was driving a blue, two-door Honda passenger vehicle with the back window shot out.

Detectives believe the Honda driven by Mr. Ward may be a 1999 model with an Indiana dealer plate number of L499950. If you see a vehicle matching the above description, call 911 immediately.

Detectives have spoken to witnesses who said that Ward was shot and injured. It has not been determined where the shooting took place but law enforcement agencies from the surrounding area have been looking for Ward and the vehicle.

Ward has allegedly had video chats with friends but would not give a location of his whereabouts. Ward has told friends that he is injured but does not wish to be located. Ward may be in possession of a 22 Cal. Rifle or a handgun of some type.

Investigators believe Ward may be in the area of Clifty Park. State Police, Columbus Police and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department have been searching that area since yesterday evening.

Law enforcement will continue their search this morning in the area of Clifty Park. At this point, Ward has made no statements of injuring others during chats with friends. Law Enforcement is worried about Ward’s safety and he is not a suspect in any crime at this point.

As a precaution, Columbus East has instituted a lockout due to the situation,

Any further questions, please contact Chief Deputy Chris Lane at the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office 812-379-1650.

Two people were killed after a single vehicle crash on U.S. 31 near Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon.

Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies say that a car driven by 68-year-old Rita J. Britton of Franklin was reported swerving across the yellow line several times at about 1:42 p.m. near U.S. 31 and Johnson County Road 550E. The vehicle then overcorrected, losing control, hitting a ditch and crashing, throwing Britton, who was not wearing a seatbelt, from the vehicle according to witnesses.

A passenger, 75-year-old Vicki J. Alexander of Greenwood was trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed by rescue workers.

Both Britton and Alexander were unconscious at the scene. Britton was flown by Lifeline helicopter to IU Methodist Hospital where she later died. Alexander was taken by Seals Ambulance to Methodist Hospital where she also died.

South bound U.S. 31 between State Road 252 and County Road 650S was closed for about three hours while the scene was cleaned up.

The accident remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

Bartholomew County community leaders are asking the governor to extend the statewide mask mandate as a way to continue to protect the public from COVID-19.

In a letter released to the public yesterday, the COVID-19 Community Task Force urged the governor to extend the face covering requirement “for as long as the Centers for Disease Control continue to recommend mask wearing as the single most effective way currently available to limit the spread of coronavirus.’

The task force said that” Indiana stands at a crucial point in how our beautiful state continues to weather the brutal storm of this pandemic.”

The letter was signed by community leaders including Mayor Jim Lienhoop, County Commissioners President Carl Lienhoop, Bartholomew Consolidated Schools Superintendent Jim Roberts, County Health Officer Dr. Brian Niedbalski and others.

2020-10-7 Bartholomew County Covid-19 Community Task Force Letter (2)

Seymour police say that a shooting yesterday morning appears to have been part of a drug-related armed robbery attempt.

According to police reports, an attempted armed robbery with drug-related motives unfolded at about 3:15 a.m. in the morning in the 900 block of North Ewing Street. Several people pushed into an acquaintance’s home armed with a stolen handgun.

During a fight, one of the people entering the home was shot. Police say the victim is in stable condition and is receiving medical treatment.

Police say that they believe this is an isolated incident. Several adults and juveniles are believed to have been involved and charges are forthcoming.

Cummins is announcing today plans to invest $25 million dollars into the Seymour Engine Plant.

The investment will upgrade existing plant infrastructure at the plant, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters. The company will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. The company is preparing for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years. The Seymour facility now has 1,100 employees.

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a technical center.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028.

Seymour Engine Plant produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.

The company’s announcement:

Global technology and power solutions leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), with the support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the City of Seymour, Indiana and Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced plans to invest more than $25 million at its Seymour Engine Plant (SEP) over the next several years. The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years.

“After our significant investments into our manufacturing and tech center infrastructure over the last 10 years, our latest expansion decision will once again expand our ability to serve global markets and bring new products and technology from our high horsepower engine hub in Seymour,” said Norbert Nusterer, President, Power Systems Business Segment, Cummins Inc. “The evolving partnerships with our terrific workforce as well as the city help us build a more successful company, while in turn allowing us to contribute to stronger and more vibrant communities in and around Seymour. We are grateful to all stakeholders for the solid effort of past years on which this latest decision is built.”

The investment in upgrading existing plant infrastructure at SEP, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters, will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. This investment will improve and refine the plant’s capabilities to prepare for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

“This is exciting for our employees,” said Darren Wildman, Americas Operations Leader, Power Systems Business, Cummins Inc. “These investments ultimately mean we are going to bring to market the next generation of high-horsepower engines. A new engine platform allows us to tap even deeper into our exceptional technological, engineering and manufacturing expertise to create a game-changing product to serve more customers and expand into new markets.”

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million at its high-horsepower operations in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a cutting-edge technical center, bringing together key capabilities to enhance technological and product development. The investment has contributed to a nearly doubling of the employment at its Seymour operations, where it now has 1,100 employees.

“It’s a phenomenal day for Indiana as we celebrate yet another expansion for Cummins, which has been a driving force for Indiana’s strong advanced manufacturing sector from the very beginning,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The investment the company is making now will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come, and it’s an honor to support them as they continue finding success in Indiana.”

The IEDC offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“The decision by Cummins to again invest in Seymour is tremendous news,” said Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson. “We believe our commitment to create and maintain a business-friendly environment, when combined with the workforce they are able to attract from throughout South Central Indiana, are reasons Cummins continues to invest in Seymour. Not only does this project create new jobs, but it also will retain workers which is a win-win for everyone.”

“Cummins’ investment in Seymour will have an impact beyond the company,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “It’s an investment in the community and state. We were glad to do our part to provide incentives to help offset their energy costs.”

SEP produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.

Seymour police are reporting that a person was shot this morning in the 900 block of North Ewing Street.

Few details have been released but police say that the incident happened around 3:15 a.m. this morning and the victim was taken from the scene for medical treatment. Their condition is unknown.

The incident is under investigation and police ask that you stay clear of the area.

Johnson County authorities say that a wanted Edinburgh man who didn’t show up for his sentencing hearing, turned himself in on Saturday morning.

37-year-old Michael P. Riddle was sentenced in absentia to 39 and a half years in prison on September 21st in Circuit Court. He was convicted of Dealing Methamphetamine of 10 or more grams, Possession of a Altered Handgun, and Carrying a Handgun with a prior felony conviction within the last 15 years.

Riddle was spotted in the Hancock area near Johnson County Roads 300N and 125W Thursday morning. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Greenfield Police Department, Indiana State Police and the United States Marshals Office searched for him for 12 hours. The search was called off around 10 Thursday night.

At about 10 til 5 Saturday morning, Riddle walked into the jail and told deputies he was tired of running from law enforcement.